Food Poisoning Bulletin has received some questions about secondary recalls of products linked to the General Mills’ flour recall for E. coli contamination. These recalls occur because an ingredient used to make those products has been recalled. This has started, with the recall of tons of raw, not-ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
Kabob’s Acquisition is recalling 44,850 pounds of raw intact and heat treated, not-ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that were made with recalled General Mills flour. They may be adulterated with E. coli O121.
The problem with products such as these is that cross-contamination can take place between the uncooked product and utensils, countertops, and other foods that are not cooked before they are consumed. In addition, these products could be undercooked by the consumer, especially if they are microwaved since some cold spots may remain, and some of the pathogenic bacteria could survive and make someone sick. When cooking frozen raw products, make sure that you check the temperature of the food before you eat it. It should always be at least 165°F.
You can see the long list of recalled products at the USDA web site, along with case codes and packaging codes. And you can see pictures of labels at that site too. They include meat and poultry hors d’oeuvres, including “Chicken Gyoza Potstickers,” “Chicken Wonton,” “Cuban Style Frank in a Blanket,” “Beef, Cheese, Vegetables in Pastry,” “Beef Tenderloin, Mushroom Duxelle, and Sherry in Puff Pastry,” “Southwest Style Burrito,” and “Eggs, Cheese, and Bacon Crescent,” among many others. These products were all produced on various dates between December 8, 2015 and January 15, 2016. They all have the establishment number “Est. 6640” or “P-6640” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They were shipped nationwide.
The problem was discovered when a supplier notified that flour sold to the facility that made the appetizers was recalled. There have been no confirmed reports of illnesses due to the consumption of these products. The USDA is concerned that some of these products may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers.
If you purchased any of these products, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed or double bagged package in a secure garbage container, or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
